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VOLUME 5 AIRMAN CERTIFICATION

CHAPTER 5 TITLE 14 CFR PART 65—AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT 

CREWMEMBERS

Section 10 Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification

5-1361 GENERAL. This section provides inspectors, examiners, regional specialists, all Flight 

Standards (AFS) division managers, and field office managers with the necessary directives, 

guidance, and procedures for conducting aircraft dispatcher certification. For the purposes of this 

section, an “examiner” is an individual who administers the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. 

An examiner may be an Aviation Safety Inspector–Aircraft Dispatcher (ASI-AD) or a 

Designated Aircraft Dispatcher Examiner (DADE).

5-1362 ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE.

• Volume 3, Chapter 63, Sections 1 through 3 contain guidance related to Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and oversight of Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Courses.

• Volume 13, Chapter 3, Sections 1 through 3 contain guidance related to DADEs.

• Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 4 contains guidance on administering the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test. The guidance applies to DADEs and ASI-ADs who 

administer the test.

• The current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 65-XX, FAA-Approved Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Courses, contains advisory information for course operators.

• The current edition of AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards Required by 

14 CFR Parts 61, 63, and 65, contains requirements and guidelines related to English 

language skills for aircraft dispatchers certificated under Title 14 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65.

5-1363 DESIGNATION OF FIELD OFFICES AND ASSIGNMENT OF INSPECTORS.

A. Responsibility for Airman Certification. Airman certification is the FAA’s 

responsibility. Each regional Flight Standards division (RFSD) is responsible to meet the 

certification needs of the public located within its geographic area of responsibility. To that end, 

each RFSD will designate one or more AFS field offices (including a Flight Standards District 

Office (FSDO), certificate-holding district office (CHDO), or certificate management office 

(CMO)) to administer Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests and issue Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificates. The RFSD will designate a field office based on its geographic location, the public 

need for aircraft dispatcher certification, and the appropriate aviation safety inspector (ASI)

resources.

1) Geographic Location. Each FAA AFS field office has a geographic area of 

responsibility. If there is a public need for aircraft dispatcher certification in the geographic area 

of responsibility of an AFS office, the RFSD will designate (assign) that field office to 

administer Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests, issue Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates, or authorize 

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a DADE to accomplish those tasks. Prior to assigning a field office, the RFSD will ensure the 

office has the appropriate inspector resources.

2) Public Need. Examples of public need include, but are not limited to:

a) There is an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator located within 

the geographic area of the office.

b) There is a 14 CFR part 121 dispatch center or flight-following facility located 

in, moving to, or setting up in the geographic area of the office.

c) There is a 14 CFR part 91 subpart K (part 91K) program manager or 

14 CFR part 135 air carrier that requires an individual to hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate 

as a condition of employment located in, moving to, or setting up in the geographic area of the

office.

3) Appropriate Inspector Resources. An ASI-AD (often referred to as a Dispatch 

Inspector) is the appropriate inspector resource to administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical 

Test, issue Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates, and/or manage a DADE to accomplish those tasks. 

An ASI-AD is not simply an ASI who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. The title of 

Aviation Safety Inspector–Aircraft Dispatcher is a specific U.S. Office of Personnel 

Management (OPM) position description (PD). An ASI is not considered to be an ASI-AD 

unless specifically designated as such in an official OPM PD. The PD for an ASI-AD is 

contained in Human Resource Policy Manual (HRPM) Supplement, Volume 1, and is listed as an 

“1825AD”.

B. Office Manager Assignment of Appropriate Inspector Resources. Managers of 

offices that are assigned to administer Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests, issue Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certificates, and/or manage DADEs must properly assign inspector resources.

1) Assign an ASI-AD to Test and Issue Certificates. The manager of a field office 

that has an ASI-AD may assign that individual to administer Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests 

and issue Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates provided the ASI-AD’s current work assignments are 

not negatively impacted. Additionally, the office manager must ensure the ASI-AD has 

successfully completed FAA Academy Course 21047, Aircraft Dispatcher Functions for ASIs.

a) The office manager will consider the following with respect to the ASI-AD’s 

current work assignments:

• The number of air carrier certificates the ASI-AD is currently assigned;

• Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses for which the ASI-AD has 

approval oversight responsibility;

• The number of designees the ASI-AD is managing;

• The number of Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests required; and

• The amount of travel involved for each of the ASI-AD’s certificate 

management, designee management, course oversight, and testing 

responsibilities.

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b) The office manager will consider the time required to accomplish the 

following with respect to aircraft dispatcher certification testing:

1. Preparation of test scenarios.

2. Possible travel to and from testing location.

3. Adequate time to administer tests (which are on average between 4 and 

6 hours long) to each applicant that requires testing.

2) Assign an ASI-AD to Manage a DADE. An AFS field office manager may 

select and appoint a DADE and assign the ASI-AD to manage that DADE. Information related to 

the management of DADEs is contained in Volume 13, Chapter 3, Sections 1 through 4.

C. RFSD Responsibility When Appropriate Resources are Not Available Where 

There is a Public Need. If there is no ASI-AD assigned to a field office in whose geographic 

area of responsibility there is a public need for aircraft dispatcher certification, the RFSD will 

assign another field office located within the region that has an ASI-AD to conduct Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Testing and certification, or to manage a DADE who can accomplish the 

testing and certification. If this is not practical, the following action should be taken:

1) The RFSD Contacts the Air Transportation Division (AFS-200). If the RFSD 

is unable to locate an ASI-AD resource within its region, the RFSD may contact AFS-200 for 

assistance in locating an ASI-AD who can administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test and 

issue Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates. It’s important to note that this may not be the most 

practical solution because an ASI-AD located outside of the geographic area of the RFSD will 

likely be task saturated and will require travel funding.

2) The RFSD and AFS Field Office Consider Staffing Adjustments. The RFSD 

and AFS field office should consider staffing adjustments to include an ASI-AD assigned to the 

field office or to the RFSD. This is the most desirable solution.

3) Limited Exception Temporary Assignment. If the AFS field office and RFSD 

have made every effort outlined above to locate an ASI-AD but are unsuccessful, the AFS field 

office may request a temporary waiver from AFS-200, to assign an ASI–Air Carrier Operations 

(ASI-AC-OPs) who meets the following criteria to temporarily manage and conduct oversight of 

a DADE. If granted, the waiver would allow the assignment of an ASI-AC-OPs to manage a 

DADE until such time as an ASI-AD becomes available, but for no longer than 

24 calendar-months. This time period is equivalent to two DADE authorization renewal cycles.

In order to temporarily manage a DADE, an ASI-AC-OP must meet the following criteria:

• Have an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate;

• Have successfully completed FAA Academy Course 21047, Aircraft 

Dispatcher Functions for ASIs; and

• Have at least 1 year of experience in oversight responsibilities of a part 121 

domestic and/or flag air carrier’s dispatcher center.

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5-1364 FORMS.

• FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.

• FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate.

• FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application.

• FAA Form 8000-36, Program Tracking and Reporting System (PTRS) Data Sheet.

5-1365 AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER CERTIFICATE—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

A. Requirement to Carry an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. In accordance with 

part 65, § 65.51, a person acting as an aircraft dispatcher by exercising responsibility with the 

pilot in command (PIC) in the operational control of a civil aircraft involved in air commerce, 

must carry on his or her person an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate issued by the FAA.

Certificated aircraft dispatchers are required for all air carriers who conduct part 121 domestic 

and/or flag operations. Air carriers that conduct solely part 121 supplemental operations may 

also employ certificated aircraft dispatchers as flight followers with operational control authority.

Each person who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must present it for inspection upon 

request of the Administrator, an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety 

Board (NTSB), or of any Federal, State, or local law enforcement.

B. General Eligibility Requirements for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. In 

accordance with § 65.53, the eligibility requirements for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate are as 

follows:

1) To be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test (ADX Knowledge 

Test), a person must be at least 21 years of age.

2) To be eligible for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, a person must meet the 

following criteria:

a) Be at least 23 years of age.

b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

c) Pass the ADX Knowledge Test, as required by § 65.55.

d) Pass the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, as required by § 65.59.

e) Comply with the experience or training requirements of § 65.57.

C. Knowledge Requirements. Section 65.55 contains the knowledge requirements for 

an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. The ADX Knowledge Test is based on these requirements.

D. Experience or Training Requirements. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate must meet the experience or training requirements contained in § 65.57.

E. Skill Requirements. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must pass an 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test given by the Administrator (or his/her designee). The Aircraft 

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Dispatcher Practical Test will be based on any one type of large aircraft used in air carrier 

operations. The practical test will be based on the current edition of the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test Standards (PTS). The FAA publishes the Aircraft Dispatcher PTS, which is based 

on the requirements of part 65 appendix A.

5-1366 ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ADX KNOWLEDGE TEST. To be eligible to take the 

ADX Knowledge Test, a person must be at least 21 years of age. There are no other prerequisites 

for the airman knowledge test. The knowledge test may be taken before any of the experience 

requirements for the issuance of the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate are met.

5-1367 ELIGIBILITY FOR THE AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER PRACTICAL TEST. To be 

eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, a person must meet the following 

requirements:

A. Age. To be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, a person must be at 

least 21 years of age. This is based on the minimum age requirement for the ADX Knowledge 

Test. The minimum age requirement for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate is 23 years of age.

Therefore, applicants who take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test prior to reaching 23 years 

of age are not entitled to an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. Applicants under the age of 23 who 

pass the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test will be issued a Letter of Aeronautical Competency in 

lieu of a Temporary Airman Certificate. Letters of Aeronautical Competency are discussed later 

in this section.

B. English Language Requirement. To be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test, and be issued an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, a person must be able to read, 

speak, write, and understand the English language in accordance with § 65.53. Any applicant 

who fails to demonstrate this ability will not be issued an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. An 

examiner will administer the entire Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in English. An examiner 

must establish an applicant’s ability to read, speak, and write the English language prior to 

administering the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

1) In order to establish an applicant’s English language skills, examiners will use 

AC 60-28 as a baseline. The AC provides guidelines on basic requirements for pronunciation, 

structure, vocabulary, fluency, interaction, and comprehension, as well as guidelines that are 

specific to applicants for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. In accordance with the AC, 

examiners will require each applicant to read and demonstrate an understanding of Aviation 

Routine Weather Reports (METAR) and Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF).

2) The applicant must be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and 

concisely using the various methods of radio telephony communications such as telephone, 

satellite phone, and very high frequency (VHF) and high frequency (HF) Radio. Aircraft 

dispatchers are required for all part 121 domestic and flag operations. When working for a 

part 121 domestic and/or flag air carrier, aircraft dispatchers are required to communicate critical 

information to PICs using these various methods of radio telephony communications. Examiners 

must be able to establish that an applicant is capable of clear and concise communication using 

any of these methods.

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C. Airman Knowledge Test. Each applicant must present an original, embossed Airman 

Knowledge Test Report showing satisfactory test results. The applicant must have passed the test 

within the preceding 24 calendar-months prior to completion of the practical test.

D. Application. Each applicant must complete and sign FAA Form 8400-3.

E. Experience/Training Requirement. Each applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate must show evidence satisfactory to the Administrator of having obtained experience 

or training in accordance with § 65.57.

1) Graduates of an FAA-Approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course in 

Accordance With § 65.57(b). Applicants possessing a statement of graduation and an 

instructor’s recommendation from an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course 

meet the training requirements of § 65.57(b) and are eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test.

a) Written Statement of Graduation. A statement of graduation is valid for 

90 days, unless revalidated by the course operator. A course operator may revalidate a statement 

of graduation for an additional 90 days in accordance with § 65.70(b). The statement of 

graduation, which is typically issued by a course operator in the form of a graduation certificate 

or diploma, is required to contain at least the following:

1. A signature by an authorized representative of the course operator,

attesting to the applicant’s successful completion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course.

2. The total number of hours of instruction administered to the applicant.

3. The statement of graduation must contain or have attached to it all of the 

topics and subtopics for which a student has been given credit allowed by § 65.61(d). If included 

as an attachment, the student will present the attachment along with a copy of the statement of 

graduation to the examiner who administers the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. In 

conjunction with the requirements contained in the Aircraft Dispatcher PTS, examiners will 

focus attention on the topics for which a student has been given credit to determine if the student 

has an adequate level of understanding of those topics.

b) Instructor’s Recommendation. The applicant must have an instructor’s 

recommendation. FAA Form 8400-3 requires an instructor to enter his or her recommendation in 

section 7. The instructor’s signature indicates the applicant has met the requirements for, and is 

ready to take, the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

2) Applicants Who Provide Documentary Evidence of Experience in 

Accordance With § 65.57(a)(1), (2), or (3). Applicants who have not graduated from an 

FAA-approved part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course but instead present documentary 

evidence of having experience in accordance with § 65.57(a)(1), (2), or (3), may be eligible to 

take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, provided the Administrator finds the documentary 

evidence to be satisfactory. In this case, the Administrator will be represented by an ASI-AD,

who will review the documentary evidence to determine if it is satisfactory. If the ASI-AD finds 

the documentary evidence to be satisfactory, the ASI-AD may administer the Aircraft Dispatcher 

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Practical Test to the applicant. An ASI-AD who is the FAA managing specialist of a DADE may 

authorize the DADE to administer the test. (FAA managing specialists must review Volume 13, 

Chapter 3, Section 4, before authorizing a DADE to administer the test.) The ASI-AD must 

retain the applicant’s documentary evidence as part of the airman certification file.

3) Applicants Who Provide Documentary Evidence of Experience in Aircraft 

Operations in Accordance With § 65.57(a)(4) Require Approval from AFS-200.

Section 65.57(a)(4) allows an applicant to present documentary evidence to the Administrator of 

having performed other duties in aircraft operations that may provide equivalent experience to 

what is prescribed in § 65.57(a)(1), (2) or (3). For the purposes of § 65.57(a)(4), the 

Administrator will be represented by AFS-200, who will make the ultimate determination as to 

whether or not the applicant’s documentary evidence is satisfactory and shows experience 

equivalent or greater than what is prescribed in § 65.57(a)(1), (2), or (3). No examiner (ASI-AD 

or DADE) may administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test to an applicant presenting 

evidence of equivalent experience in accordance with § 65.57(a)(4) without first obtaining 

written approval from AFS-200.

a) Requests for approval from AFS-200 must come from the appropriate AFS 

field office manager, through the manager of the RFSD, to the manager of AFS-200. All requests 

for approval must be accompanied by documentary evidence of the applicant’s experience.

b) Prior to requesting approval from AFS-200, all documentary evidence 

submitted by the applicant must be reviewed by an ASI-AD. The ASI-AD is responsible for 

making the initial determination as to whether or not the documentary evidence is satisfactory. If 

the ASI-AD’s initial determination is that the evidence is satisfactory, the office manager will 

document the ASI-AD’s determination in the memo requesting approval by AFS-200 to test the 

applicant. The office manager will send the memo to the manager of AFS-200, through the 

manager of the RFSD.

c) Upon receiving the memo from the office manager, the RFSD must review the 

request. If the RFSD concurs with the request, the manager will concur by memo and 

recommend approval to the manager of AFS-200.

d) If the RFSD does not concur with the request, it may not forward it to 

headquarters (HQ) for review.

e) If AFS-200 determines the applicant’s documentary evidence showing 

equivalent experience is satisfactory, AFS-200 will grant approval to test the applicant via 

memo.

f) Upon receiving approval from AFS-200, an ASI-AD may test the applicant. 

An ASI-AD who is the FAA managing specialist of a DADE may authorize the DADE to test 

the applicant on a one-time-only basis, provided the managing specialist observes the DADE 

administering the test. Approval letters from AFS-200 must be retained as part of an applicant’s 

airman certification file. (See Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 4.)

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4) Required Documentation of Training and Experience to be Provided by the 

Applicant.

a) An applicant who has graduated from an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course, in accordance with § 65.57(b), must present the following documentary 

evidence:

• An original, embossed Airman Knowledge Test Report showing 

satisfactory test results;

• A statement of graduation issued or revalidated in accordance with 

§ 65.70(b), showing that the applicant has successfully completed an 

FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher certification course; and

• FAA Form 8400-3 with an instructor’s recommendation entered in 

section 7.

b) An applicant providing documentary evidence of experience in accordance 

with any of the provisions of § 65.57(a) must submit the following types of documents as 

evidence of experience:

• Letters from employers on company letterhead accompanied by applicable 

training records, letters from employers must contain contact information 

(e.g., telephone or fax for verification purposes);

• Logbooks;

• Military service records; and

• Employment records.

c) An ASI-AD must verify the validity of all documentary evidence presented in 

association with any of the provisions of § 65.57(a) as part of the process for determining 

whether or not the documentary evidence is satisfactory. The ASI-AD must retain a copy of the 

documentary evidence provided by the applicant as part of the applicant’s airman certification 

file. If AFS-200 granted approval to test the applicant, the approval letter must also be retained 

as part of the certification file.

5-1368 APPLICANT IDENTIFICATION. The identification requirements contained in this 

section are based on the requirements contained in the current edition of Order 8080.6, Conduct 

of Airman Knowledge Tests.

A. Verification of Identity. The applicant must provide valid, positive proof of 

identification. The identification may be presented in more than one form and must contain at 

least the following:

• An official photograph of the applicant,

• The applicant’s date of birth,

• The applicant’s signature, and

• The applicant’s physical residential address.

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B. Acceptable Forms of Identification.

1) U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens. Acceptable forms of photo identification for 

U.S. citizens and resident aliens include:

• Driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory,

• U.S. Government identification card,

• U.S. Military identification card, or

• Passport or alien residency card.

2) Non-U.S. Citizens. Acceptable forms of photo identification for non-U.S. citizens 

must include a passport and one or more of the following:

• Driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory.

• Identification card issued by any government entity.

C. Annotation of Identification Accepted. When an examiner accepts the form(s) of 

identification, he or she must annotate the “Practical Test Report” section of FAA Form 8400-3. 

Copies of identification documentation do not have to accompany the application package; 

simply reference the identification in the appropriate section on the back of the form.

5-1369 ADMINISTERING THE AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER PRACTICAL TEST.

Detailed guidance on administering the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test is located in 

Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 4. Volume 13 is primarily directed towards DADEs and their 

FAA managing specialists. However, the guidance related to administering the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test applies directly to ASI-ADs who administer the test.

5-1370 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS. When an applicant has passed the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test, accomplish the following, according to the applicant’s age.

A. Applicants 23 Years of Age or Older. Successful applicants who have passed the 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test and are 23 years of age or older are entitled to a Temporary 

Airman Certificate (FAA Form 8060-4). Complete the application as follows:

1) Prepare the Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating (FAA 

Form 8400-3). ASI-ADs who are examiners, DADEs, and the FAA managing specialist of the 

DADE must complete FAA Form 8400-3 as follows:

a) An examiner who is an ASI-AD will complete the following sections of 

FAA Form 8400-3:

• Section 8, Evaluation Record;

• Section 9, Inspector’s Record;

• Section 10, Practical Test Report; and

• Remarks section, as applicable.

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b) If the examination was administered by a DADE, the DADE should have 

completed the following sections of FAA Form 8400-3:

• Section 8,

• Section 10, and

• Remarks section, as applicable.

c) The FAA managing specialist of the DADE will complete section 9 of 

FAA Form 8400-3.

1. Select either “Temporary Airman Certificate Issued” or “Notice of 

Disapproval of Application Issued,” as appropriate.

2. Select “Examiner’s Action Accepted” (unless the FAA managing 

specialist intends to reject the DADE’s actions).

3. Enter signature, date, and FAA office information.

4. Select “Aircraft Dispatcher” located under the box provided for the FAA 

office information.

2) Issue FAA Form 8060-4. An ASI-AD will issue the Temporary Airman 

Certificate in duplicate (see Volume 5, Chapter 1, Section 5, paragraph 5-112, for instructions on 

completing this form) and give a copy to the applicant. A DADE may only issue a Temporary 

Airman Certificate if permitted in the DADE’s FAA letter of authority (LOA). (See also 

Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 1.)

3) Forward the Application Package. Airman application packages must be 

forwarded to the Airmen Certification Branch (AFS-760) in Oklahoma City, OK for processing.

These include:

• The completed FAA Form 8400-3;

• An original copy of FAA Form 8060-4;

• The original Airman Knowledge Test Report; and

• A copy of the written statement of graduation (the applicant retains the 

original) if the applicant has successfully completed an FAA-approved 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course.

B. Applicants Under the Age of 23. An applicant under the age of 23 is not entitled to a 

Temporary Airman Certificate until he or she reaches his or her 23rd birthday. An ASI-AD or 

the FAA managing specialist of a DADE will issue a Letter of Aeronautical Competency on 

FAA letterhead to an applicant who has passed the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test but is under 

23 years of age. The Letter of Aeronautical Competency must contain the statement that the 

applicant has met all of the requirements for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate except for age 

(see Figure 5-139 for a sample letter).

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1) Prepare FAA Form 8400-3. Complete sections 8 and 10 of the form and enter 

the following statement into the Remarks section of the form: APPLICANT IS LESS THAN 23 

YEARS OF AGE. HOLD APPLICATION. LETTER OF AERONAUTICAL COMPETENCY 

ISSUED.

2) Forward the Application Package. Application packages for applicants under 

the age of 23 must be forwarded to AFS-760 as follows:

• The completed FAA Form 8400-3, with the completed Remarks section;

• The original Airman Knowledge Test Report;

• A copy of the written statement of graduation (the applicant retains the 

original) if the applicant has successfully completed an FAA-approved part 65 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course; and

• A copy of the Letter of Aeronautical Competency.

3) Issue a Certificate When the Applicant is at Least 23 Years of Age. Once the 

applicant has reached the age of 23, he or she may go to any FSDO and present the following 

documents in exchange for a Temporary Airman Certificate:

• The original Letter of Aeronautical Competency;

• Proof of age;

• Any other identification required by subparagraph 5-1368; and

• An updated FAA Form 8400-3.

a) Letters of Aeronautical Competency do not expire. However, prior to issuing 

a Temporary Airman Certificate in exchange for a Letter of Aeronautical Competency, the ASI 

issuing the certificate must contact AFS-760 to verify that the applicant’s original application is 

on file. Information on how to contact AFS-760 is located on the FAA public Web site at:

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/.

b) If AFS-760 does not have the original application package, cannot reconstruct 

the application file, or otherwise states that the applicant should not be issued a certificate, the 

ASI can attempt to contact the AFS field office that issued the original Letter of Aeronautical 

Competency to see if that office has the original application package. Otherwise, the ASI will 

instruct the applicant that a Temporary Airman Certificate cannot be issued and that the applicant 

will have to requalify for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate in accordance with § 65.57.

c) If AFS-760 indicates that they have, or are able to reconstruct, the original 

application package and there is nothing that should otherwise prevent the issuance of 

Temporary Airman Certificate, the ASI will issue the Temporary Airman Certificate and forward 

the updated application package to AFS-760. The package must contain:

• The completed FAA Form 8400-3,

• The original Letter of Aeronautical Competency, and

• Original copy of FAA Form 8060-4.

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5-1371 PTRS ENTRIES. Each activity associated with the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test 

must be recorded in the PTRS. The PTRS activity code will depend on who actually 

administered the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test and the age of the applicant. DADEs will 

complete PTRS entries manually if instructed by the FAA managing specialist. ASI-ADs and 

FAA managing specialists will complete PTRS entries in the Enhanced Flight Standards 

Automation System (eFSAS).

A. Applicants 23 Years of Age or Older.

1) If the test was administered by an ASI-AD, that individual will complete PTRS 

activity code 1524 (CERT/AIRM/DISPATCHER). The ASI-AD will need to indicate if the 

applicant passed or failed the test by checking the appropriate box while entering the PTRS data.

2) If the test was administered by a DADE, the FAA managing specialist will 

complete PTRS activity code 1555 (CERT/EXMNR/DESIG/DISPATCHER) as follows:

a) Complete the appropriate sections of the electronic PTRS Data Sheet utilizing 

the information contained in the completed FAA Form 8400-3 and the manual FAA 

Form 8000-36 completed by the DADE, when provided.

b) Check the appropriate box for pass or fail depending upon whether or not the 

applicant passed or failed the practical test.

c) Enter “1524,” which corresponds to the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in 

the field titled “Exam Kind.”

d) Check the box titled “Observed by Inspector” only if the FAA specialist 

observed the DADE administering the test.

e) Enter any comments as appropriate by expanding the “Comments” area and 

clicking on the “Add New Comment” bar.

f) Select “J-Crewmembers” from the “Primary Area” dropdown menu.

g) Select code “783” for Designees in the “Keyword” dropdown menu.

h) Enter your “Opinion Code” and comments as appropriate.

B. Applicants Under 23 Years of Age.

1) If the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test was administered by an ASI-AD, that 

individual will complete PTRS activity code 1513 (CERT/AIRM/DISP/LTR/COMPTENCY).

2) If the test was administered by a DADE, the FAA managing specialist will 

complete activity code 1555 in accordance with the steps contained in subparagraph 5-1371A2) 

above. The specialist must also complete activity code 1513.

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NOTE: There are multiple selections in eFSAS for a Letter of Aeronautical 

Competency under activity code 1513. In order to access the correct one, use the 

search function by clicking on the symbol of the binoculars located to the right of 

the “Activity Num” field. Once the search is enabled, enter “1513” in the “Code” 

section of the purple highlighted field. Then select “CERT/AIRM/DISP/LTR 

COMPTENCY.”

5-1372 UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS. If an applicant fails the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test, the examiner will accomplish the following:

A. Prepare FAA Form 8400-3. Prepare FAA Form 8400-3 and record the results of the 

practical test in the “Practical Test Report” (section 10). Annotate each unsatisfactory subject 

area with a “U” in the appropriate subject areas. If the unsuccessful applicant has satisfactorily 

completed any subject areas, the examiner may note those with an “S” for satisfactory.

B. Return the Original Written Test Report. The examiner will return the original 

written test report to the applicant and instruct the applicant to retain it for future presentation to 

an examiner when retesting.

NOTE: The applicant always retains the original written statement of graduation.

C. Prepare FAA Form 8060-5. The examiner will complete FAA Form 8060-5, in 

duplicate, and give the original to the applicant. Figure 5-155 contains a sample of Form 8060-5.

Volume 5, Chapter 1, Section 6, also contains instructions on completing the form and contains a 

sample of a completed form. The examiner will instruct the application to retain the Notice of 

Disapproval for future presentation to an examiner when retesting.

1) Enter the name and address of the applicant as they appear on the application.

2) Indicate “Aircraft Dispatcher” as the certificate or rating sought.

3) Check the “Practical” box to indicate the type of test.

4) Record the aircraft used during the test.

5) Indicate on the form the areas of operation and tasks that the applicant performed 

unsuccessfully.

6) List the number of practical test failures by the applicant for this certificate or 

rating in any available space on FAA Form 8060-5.

7) Date and sign the form. DADEs will enter their designee number and an ASI-AD 

will enter the district office designation (e.g., AEA-FSDO-15).

D. Forward the Application Package. Forward application packages for unsuccessful 

applicants to AFS-760 and include the following documents:

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DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE-65

• The completed FAA Form 8400-3, and

• Duplicate of FAA Form 8060-5.

5-1373 RETESTING AFTER FAILURE. In accordance with 14 CFR § 65.19, an applicant

may retest after failing the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test as follows:

• 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test; or

• Before the 30 days have expired if the applicant presents a signed statement from an 

airman who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, certifying that the airman has 

given the applicant additional instruction in each of the subjects failed and the airman 

considers the applicant ready for retesting.

A. Application. Each applicant for a retest must complete and sign FAA Form 8400-3.

B. Airman Knowledge Test. Each applicant for a retest must present an original, 

embossed Airman Knowledge Test Report showing satisfactory test results.

C. Statement of Graduation (if Applicable). Each applicant for a retest must present a 

copy of a statement of graduation if he or she has successfully completed an FAA-approved

part 65 dispatcher training course.

D. Original Copy of the Notice of Disapproval of Application (FAA Form 8060-5).

Each applicant for a retest must present an original copy of FAA Form 8060-5. The form should 

contain the list of the subjects failed by the applicant; otherwise the retest must be administered 

in its entirety.

E. Time Period For Retest.

1) An applicant may only be retested within the validity period of a statement of 

graduation issued in accordance with § 65.70(b), and

2) An applicant may only be retested within 24 months of having passed the ADX

Knowledge Test in accordance with § 65.55(b).

F. Tasks and Areas to Retest. An applicant may receive credit for those areas of 

operation and the associated tasks that have been performed satisfactorily on the previous test

under the following conditions:

1) Retesting Within 30 Days After the Date of Failure. An examiner 

administering a retest may give the applicant credit for those areas and/or tasks completed 

satisfactorily on the previous test. If testing within 30 days of failure, § 65.19 requires an 

applicant to present a signed statement from an airman who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate. In the statement, the airman must certify that the he or she has given the applicant 

additional instruction in each of the areas and/or tasks previously failed by the applicant, and that 

he or she considers the applicant ready for retesting. The certifying statement must include the 

airman’s Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate number. A certifying statement of this nature does not 

relieve an examiner from his or her duty to thoroughly evaluate an applicant. If the examiner 

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DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE-65

doubts the applicant’s competency in any area or task, the examiner will retest the applicant in 

any and all areas and tasks the examiner sees fit.

2) Retesting After 30 Days but No More than 60 Days From the Date of Failure.

Examiners should exercise caution when retesting an applicant who is applying for a retest after 

30 days from failing the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. Section 65.19 contains no 

requirement for an applicant to receive additional instruction if he or she applies for a retest 

30 days after he or she failed the test. An examiner administering a retest may give the applicant 

credit for those areas and tasks completed satisfactorily on the previous practical test(s) if the 

retest occurs within 60 calendar-days of the original test. However, an examiner may choose to 

retest an applicant on any and all areas and/or tasks if the examiner doubts the applicant’s 

competence in any area or task that was performed satisfactorily on the previous test. Whether or 

not a task or area needs to be retested is at the examiner’s discretion.

3) Retesting After 60 Days From the Date of Failure. An applicant who desires a 

retest after 60 calendar-days from having failed the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test is not 

entitled to any credit for tasks or areas previously passed. In this case, the examiner must 

administer the entire Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

G. Retesting an Applicant Who has Qualified for Testing Under the Provisions of 

§ 65.57(a)(4) is Not Permitted. In accordance with subparagraph 5-1367E3 of this section, an 

examiner requires prior approval from AFS-200 in order to administer the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test to any applicant who provides documentary evidence in accordance with 

§ 65.57(a)(4), as a means to qualify for testing. If the applicant fails the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test on the first attempt, AFS-200 will not grant approval to an examiner to administer 

a retest.

H. Forward the Application Package. If the applicant passes the retest, the examiner 

and FAA managing specialist will forward the application package in accordance with the 

guidance section applicable to successful applicants.

5-1374 DISCONTINUATION OF THE PRACTICAL TEST.

A. Letter of Discontinuance. An examiner will issue a Letter of Discontinuance when 

reasons other than unsatisfactory performance lead to the termination of a practical test. Some 

examples of reasons for discontinuing a test include, but are not limited to:

• Power failure,

• Family emergency,

• Inclement weather, and

• Illness.

NOTE: Poor performance by an applicant is not a valid reason to discontinue a 

test. Poor performance is considered grounds for failure of the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test.

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DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE-65

B. Issue the Letter of Discontinuance. When an examiner discontinues the test for 

reasons other than unsatisfactory performance, he or she will prepare, sign, and issue a Letter of 

Discontinuance to the applicant and return FAA Form 8400-3, the original Airman Knowledge 

Test Report, and statement of graduation (when applicable) to the applicant. A copy of the Letter 

of Discontinuance must be retained by the examiner and made part of an applicant’s certification 

file and a DADE’s designated examiner file. At no time will an examiner issue a Letter of 

Discontinuance in lieu of FAA Form 8060-5 when it appears an applicant may fail any portion of 

the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. The examiner will identify in the Letter of Discontinuance 

all areas and associated tasks successfully completed by the applicant. The examiner will instruct 

the applicant to present the Letter of Discontinuance when he or she resumes the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test. The applicant should resume the test with the same examiner; 

however, the test may be continued with another examiner (ASI-AD or DADE) if circumstances 

such as continued illness of the previous examiner warrant the use of another examiner.

C. Valid Time. A Letter of Discontinuance is valid for no more than 60 days after the 

test is discontinued. After 60 days from the from discontinuation and the issuance of the Letter of 

Discontinuation, an applicant is no longer entitled to credit for any areas or tasks previously 

satisfied during the initial test. In addition to the maximum of 60 days valid time of a Letter of 

Discontinuance, examiners must adhere to the following time limits:

1) The test must be continued within the validity period of a statement of graduation 

(when issued) in accordance with § 65.70(b).

2) The test must be continued within 24 months of the applicant having passed the 

ADX Knowledge Test in accordance with § 65.55(b).

D. Tasks and Areas to Continue. When continuing a practical test, examiners will 

credit the applicant for the successful completion of the areas and tasks listed in the Letter of 

Discontinuance. If an examiner doubts the applicant’s knowledge or competence in any area or 

task previously satisfied during the initial test, the examiner may retest the applicant to the extent 

the examiner deems necessary. When the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test is completed, the 

examiner will include a copy of the Letter of Discontinuance with the application package and 

forward it to AFS-760. See Figure 5-139A for an example of a Letter of Discontinuance.

5-1375 RETENTION OF APPLICATION PACKAGES. The AFS field office will retain all 

aircraft dispatcher certification documentation in accordance with the current edition of FAA 

Order 1350.15, Records Organization, Transfer, and Destruction Standards, Chapter 11.

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DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE-65

Figure 5-139. Sample Letter of Aeronautical Competency – Successful Applicant of 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate Less Than 23 Years of Age

[District Office Letterhead]

Letter of Aeronautical Competency

This letter is evidence that:

 [Name of Applicant] has successfully completed the required written, knowledge, and skill 

tests for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate; however, the applicant has not reached 23 years of

age. The applicant may obtain a Temporary Airman Certificate (FAA Form 8060-4) from any 

Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) upon presenting the following:

1) Proof of age (23 years old);

2) A current application, FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or 

Rating;

3) This original letter; and

4) Two valid forms of photo identification.

Aviation Safety Inspector Signature:

Aviation Safety Inspector Name (print):

Date:

District Office Number Office Location

___________________ _____________

This Letter of Aeronautical Competency does not expire.

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DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE-65

Figure 5-139A. Sample Letter of Discontinuance

Dear ,

On this date, , you successfully completed a portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical 

Test indicated below:

You have successfully completed the following areas of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test:

[List successfully completed Areas of Operation and associated Tasks from the Practical Test 

Standards:]

The practical test was discontinued because of: [State Reason]

You may present this letter no later than [Enter 60 days from the date of the initiation of the test 

(same as date entered at the beginning of the letter)] as proof of your successful completion of 

the Areas of Operation and associated Tasks listed above. After [enter expiration date], you will 

be required to complete the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in its entirety. This letter does not 

extend the expiration date of your Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test results or statement of 

graduation issued by [enter the name of the FAA-approved part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course if applicable].

Sincerely,

[ASI-AD or DADE] Certificate/Designation Number: 

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DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE-65

Figure 5-155. FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application

RESERVED. Paragraphs 5-1376 through 5-1385.

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